NSW DPI Equine influenza daily update - 14 October 2007

Situation update

There are currently 4502 Infected Properties (IPs), 440 Dangerous Contact Properties (DCPs) and 470 Suspect Properties (SPs).

The number of IPs has levelled off to about 80 to 100 per day.

Numbers of new cases in the Dubbo-Wellington and Parkes-Forbes clusters are increasing, the Temora-Barmedman cluster is being monitored closely for any changes in infection numbers. Vaccination buffers in these areas are still being maintained to contain infection.

A key requirement for clearance of IPs, and hence for progression of these Red Zones to Amber, is testing at least 28 days after onset of signs in the last clinical case on the premises.

Some of the more isolated areas and clusters have now been 3-4 weeks since their last known case. Clusters currently under consideration for clearance by 22 October 2007 are Coonamble, Moree and Walcha. Berry, Wauchope, Gloucester and Mudgee are being considered for clearance by 5 November 2007.

EI Purple Zone Expanded

The Minister has announced increases in the Purple Zone - it now extends from Tamworth to Camden. This will free up movement in this zone.
See: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horse/influenza/movements/zoning
Descriptions of the zones and the restrictions applying to movements with the zones can be found on the NSW DPI web site: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza/movements

Vaccinations

Vaccination of horses in NSW is well under way and targets are continuing to be met. However due to the limited supplies of vaccine, NSW priorities have been set for which horses should be vaccinated.

For more information on vaccinations see: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza/vaccination

11 Local Vaccination Centres have been established or planned to date, new LVCs are planned for Tenterfield and Scone.

Community Meetings

Community Meetings continue to run around the state. To date 13 meetings have been held with over 780 attendees. A successful meeting was held Ourimbah last night. Today’s meeting was held this morning at Galston. Tomorrow’s meeting will be held at Morisset. Information about community meetings and future meeting dates see:

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza/meetings

In the news

2 news releases about the great response to community meetings around the state.

• EI public information meetings in Narrabri, Moree and Warialda
• EI public information meetings at Windsor, Cessnock and Albion Park

Available at http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza/news-releases